For most of the world, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is known for its enormous parades and mega-krewes, but for locals, the tradition of political satire is the truest expression of the spirit and purpose of Carnival.

Peter Athas tells the story of the Krewe du Vieux and how his “sub-krewe”- the Krewe of Spank- have carried on that tradition with irreverent and unapologetic gusto.

A special thanks to Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, and Jon Lovett for speaking with us about state, regional, and national politics; the jungle primary, Beto, the environment, and, of course, Roger Goodelll.

Five years ago, after the debut of his sensational and award-winning television series “True Detective,” its creator and showrunner Nic Pizzolatto sat down with Lamar White, Jr. to discuss one of the show’s main characters, the state of Louisiana.

Today, with the debut of Season Three of “True Detective,” the Bayou Brief is republishing the interview in its entirety.

Three decades after her death at the age of 101, Clementine Hunter is now considered one of the most important folk artists in American history.

In this multi-part investigative series, the Bayou Brief explores the life and legacy of Louisiana’s most consequential painter and the ways in which her work has been both rightfully celebrated and criminally exploited since her death.